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The "Aristocrat" is a cultivar of the Callery pear tree (Pyrus calleryana), which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. These trees are known more for their beautiful, showy foliage than they are for their fruit. The tiny little round pears that these trees produce are hard and virtually inedible, with an unpleasantly bitter flavor.

Not Your Average Pear

"Aristocrat" Callery pear trees are commonly planted by landscapers in both urban and suburban locations because these ornamental trees are hardy and produce dazzling clusters of showy white flowers in the spring. Their green, glossy deciduous leaves also turn beautiful shades of red, purple, yellow and orange in the fall. Although known for their flowers and colorful foliage, the trees also produce round, pea-sized fruits in shades of tan and brown, which are less than 1/2 inch in diameter. The fruits aren't considered edible, according to Iowa State University Extension. They are small, hard and bitter, only softening and sweetening a bit after thawing from a winter frost.

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

While the fruit of the "Aristocrat" tree isn't considered poisonous, it is classified as inedible based on its size, hard texture and bitter flavor. The little fruits aren't ornamental, but they do attract songbirds and other wildlife to the tree that enjoy feeding on them, according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension.

About the Author

Based in Las Vegas, Susan Paretts has been writing since 1998. She writes about many subjects including pets, finances, crafts, food, home improvement, shopping and going green. Her articles, short stories and reviews have appeared on City National Bank's website and on The Noseprint. Paretts holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California.